The Alicante Provincial Assembly marks two centuries of public service while its leaders face questions about its role and future. A recent exchange brought together Carlos Mazón of the People’s Party and Antonio Mira-Perceval, who led the Diputación between 1991 and 1995, at the INFORMACIÓN Club. The discussion highlighted the Assembly’s modernization and the controversial powers that have been exercised over the years, along with the province’s pressing aim to combat population decline across its municipalities.
Two hundred years into its existence, evaluating the Provincial Assembly’s impact on society, especially in Alicante, is a natural part of governance. The speakers agreed that institutions depend on how they are defended. When a provincial body falls short of its responsibilities, questions arise about its survival and the confidence of cities and citizens. The Assembly is presented as a cornerstone of provincial autonomy within the Spanish state. The main administration serving the province remains the General Provincial Assembly, and the commitment to this 200-year-old institution is a shared responsibility. As Mira-Perceval noted, the debate about the necessity of councils has persisted for decades and is far from resolved.
Former modernization champion Mira-Perceval reminded attendees that the Diputación and the province have a history of pioneering projects, from rescue aviation with helicopters to coordinating support for specialties such as EUIPO and guidance to municipalities, as well as collaborations with Gil-Albert and various affiliated entities. The meeting reflected on strategic initiatives and programs that continue to shape the province, including proaguas and Total projects.
The current leader of the provincial body is Mazón. He spoke about the province’s development and infrastructure, stressing that the Diputación remains essential for smaller communities. Without it, basic services like lighting, sewer systems, and cultural programs might be at risk. Yet Mira-Perceval expressed some reservations about concentrating services in underpopulated areas, warning against treating small towns as charity cases and urging the province to act as a unifying solidarity body for all municipalities.
Population decline, a major challenge
Alicante’s province includes 30 municipalities at risk of population decline and 88 towns with fewer than 5,000 residents out of 141 total. Both leaders agreed on the indispensable role the Assembly plays for small communities. Mira-Perceval highlighted a roadmap created during his tenure to improve communication with small municipalities and suggested measures such as establishing mountain agencies and a network of television repeaters to support rural areas.
Mazón asserted that the city council remains a necessary framework for small towns. He argued that without the Diputación, essential services and cultural offerings would falter. Mira-Perceval noted concerns about focusing exclusively on sparsely populated areas and urged a more balanced approach, citing the SUMA example and the risk of a narrow policy that could undermine broader regional needs. He advocated for a model where the province acts as a solidarity organ for all municipalities, not a gatekeeper for charity.
Councillor or deputy
The discussion moved to the implications of political structures and the balance between local councils and the Provincial Assembly. The debate touched on the allocation of time and energy by individual deputies, with some arguing that greater dedication improves governance, while others noted the practical difficulties of simultaneously serving as a local council member and a provincial deputy. The risk of a divided attention affecting performance was acknowledged, but the necessity of maintaining a functional, responsive provincial administration remained clear. The participants emphasized that the assembly should adapt to changing times while preserving its core purpose and authority.
Both leaders argued that the province has proven its resilience over two centuries, and modernization should continue to be a priority. The aim is to ensure the province remains capable of delivering consistent services and equitable development, even as circumstances evolve. The discussion closed with a shared sentiment that the province should anticipate changes and invest in modernization to secure its long-term relevance.
Mazón highlighted that after two hundred years, the best way to honor the province’s history is through robust progress and strategic planning that paves the way for the next centuries of achievements.
Keep the indirect election system, yes or no? The dialogue, held in the context of Alicante’s 200th anniversary, explored the advantages and drawbacks of indirect parliamentary elections. The moderator asked whether the current approach should endure. Both leaders agreed that councils should play a leading role in supporting small municipalities. Mazón stated he is fundamentally opposed to direct elections, while Mira-Perceval warned of potential risks if the province moved away from indirect methods, including the possibility of undermining the uniform delivery of services across the region. He also cautioned about the lack of a clear electoral program and suggested a strategic plan that guides governance beyond electoral cycles.